BITE user comments - danrkelly
Comments by danrkelly
The Kelham Island Tavern, Sheffield
Boarded the train at St Pancras one Sunday morning, alighted at Sheffield, walked to the Kelham Island Tavern,ordered a pint of Pale Rider as brewed next door, how could it get better? £5 for a plate of lovely freshly cooked roast which came out to a busy enough pub within 10 minutes, that's how. Outstanding little pub. Thanks Mike!
7 Nov 2013 20:16
On my brief visit to the Volunteer I marked it as the one where I would drink were I a resident. Ordinary folk drink here, the ale was good and cheap too. I was there on a Tuesday and everywhere else in Honiton was dead but there were a few in the Volunteer. Time to fix your signage though folks.
12 Aug 2013 13:34
We walked down to the Spotted Cow from the campsite at nearby Ecclesden Farm back in July 2013. It was a glorious evening and sun bathed the wonderful flowering borders in the pub garden in a warm light. By far the prettiest pub garden I've been in for many years and I understand the chef is also the gardener.
Service was excellent, food was good and I seem to recall having a couple of pints of Hophead which was well kept too. We even got a few take-out bottles for back at the tent.
12 Aug 2013 13:26
Visited pre-Forum gig and for the first time in 10 years. This pub has not faded over the years, great atmostsphere, service, beer, decor and crowd not uber-trendy either though hardly 'ordinary'. Shame it's not my local.
7 Nov 2012 12:52
Biked up from Wapping on the canal last night (very slowly and considerately of course as I'm old sensible now) and revisited the Palm Tree for the first time in at least 6 years. A was joined by a friend who rode down the canal from Bdy Mkt (he does not have a fashion tache). The view across the water has changed but the pub had not and it shame they aren't doing anything with the little yard area to the rear which added to a feeling of neglect at the Palm Tree.
Enjoyed trying the guest ales which were Brewsters A Roll in the Hay (Grantham) and the more well known Mighty Oak's Maldon Gold. I do not have a beer gut or a matted beard but I did prefer the former. The price, �3.60 a pint really doesn't sit well with me but I can't see that the place makes much of profit so I'm happy to support it on this occasion. The bar man was very pleasant asked me what I thought of the beer after I'd finished up.
We drank out on the grass though were the only ones ones at 5pm on a warm Wednesday in August which was a little surprising. I then picked up the Hertford Union to head home, all in all a great place to stop of on the bike.
11 Aug 2011 12:02
I've been drinking and eating in Wapping for 10 years now and we've been choosing the Ramsgate over the Prospect recently. The 'buy one get another for �1' deal on Main courses and burgers is the main reason but also because they always have well kept ales including a guest. I swear by the Young's bitter in here. The yard is worth a look, crammed in between old buildings, it's taste of old docks.
If you're looking for the cheapest pint in Wapping then head to the Kidd but I find it really quite soulless these days.
16 Mar 2011 15:54
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
The Rose and Crown serves the community extremely well these days. I think the Coppermill Tavern does too but that's another story.
The Rose management regularly serve a unique range of well kept real ales, unlike any other pub in London I've visited (and I've visited a few if you check my BITE entries). Maybe Brewer's Gold is a bit too main stream for these guys (nothing wrong with BG of course see Pride of Spitalfields E1, the Dove E8, Wenlock N1)
The Rose clientele puts me in mind of the Samuel Pepys, Mare Street in the late nineties. This pub is not cool, it's not upmarket but it is GOOD.
If I had to criticise it would be that the lighting in the main seems to make the place feel rather cold and drab.
Heading up there later.
20 Jan 2011 17:44
Met the brother-in-law here again on the first Thursday in January and by happy accident it was Tina T's Funk and Soul Jam night. Lots of musicians turned up and darn good foot tapping evening was had by all as we waded thru the outstanding selection of ales brewed on-site once again. So first Thursday of the month is certainly worth a look if you fancy real ales AND a little something to make ya booty move.
A true gem in Waltham Forest.
QUESTION: What is CAMRA's problem with this place? I'm thinking clash of personalities at a local level.
20 Jan 2011 17:04
The Pride of Spitalfields, Shoreditch
Still good despite local rents going through the roof and every third person on the street like a member of Kajagoogoo. Kajagoogoo looked like c**** first time around and I remember. I visit the Pride to drink the Brewer's Gold and eat pork scratchings with a mate of mine from school. May it never be 'revamped'.
3 Nov 2010 13:44
The Prospect of Whitby, Wapping
I'm a regular lunchtime customer and the beer is VERY expensive. They almost always have a well kept ale on though like Doom Bar for example. We've really enjoyed the fish and chips with mushy peas all summer. I'll try it again soon and let you know if there standards are slipping. When the weather is good the roof terrace is very pleasant with excellent views of the river towards Limehouse.
3 Nov 2010 13:37
When travelling to Walthamstow village for an ale the Nags will always win over this place and the Queen's. Why? Nags has better outside space, better guest beers and this year the bar staff (mainly women) have been nothing but smiles and decent manners when I've visited.
3 Nov 2010 13:29
On my visits this year I've been treated to service with a smile by all the bar staff here though none of them were the landlady. There's always at least 4 ales on and I generally find something very nice to sup at for the evening. Yes prices are high but I'm not in there every night so I I view it as a treat and fork out. There's a good range of biltong too. The yard is by far the best outside drinking space in Walthamstow with plenty of shelter in the winter and shade in the summer. I do wish they'd do something about that odd boxed in area above the bar though. It's only about 6' above the floor and I'm taller than that.
3 Nov 2010 13:26
The commitment to local breweries is clear and the landlord and landlady impressed me with there attentiveness and eagerness to make sure that everyone becomes a regular. The beer? Wherry and Brewer's Gold kept as well as anywhere I've ever drunk them. The turn over of beers keeps them fresh and long may it continue. Thanks to Tom for the company and local accomodation.
2 Nov 2010 16:52
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
I believe the production of 'Sweeney Todd' in the theatre upstairs is sold out for it's entire run. Always friendly service, intriguing selection of ales and a pleasant reminder of the diverse pub seen of Hackney in 90's.
22 Mar 2010 10:37
The Prince Arthur is a very rare thing in London. It is a pub that was closed for some years but unlike so many others it has reopened as a pub. To cut a long story short, Hackney has some very good housing stock in the immediate area so the client�le of the Arthur are often from the more money/fashion-than-sense brigade. The pub quiz on a Monday is good fun too and I enjoyed a couple of pints of Mad Goose from the Purity Brewing Co.
The burger was the thickest I've ever seen but for �12 I'd want a happy ending thrown in.
22 Mar 2010 09:09
If they're not going to give a nod to some proper beer (especially with the Sweet William Brewery down the road) they I doubt they'll really thrive in 'Stow.
15 Dec 2009 17:21
On recent visits I have found the staff (not the landlady though) friendly and ale selection really rather good. Had excellent 'Suffolk County' from the Nethergate Brewery in Suffolk on Sunday. Still not terribly cosy in the main bar but with the live jazz and heated patio area to the rear this really is worth walking past the Village for.
15 Dec 2009 17:10
I have ecently returned to the Ramsgate on several occasions as the Young's Bitter is so well kept these days. In the last few months they have removed the over-bar shelving and painted the bottom of the bar to improve the feeling of space and light. Today they also had Otter Ale, Doom Bar and Pride on tap. Best beer pub in Wapping and no mistake.
15 Dec 2009 16:54
Well kept Fuller's Discovery on when I visited the week before last. Great place to watch the marsh 'traffic' and wide variety of water craft.
17 Aug 2009 12:22
The Rose and Crown, Walthamstow
On my first visit this past Tuesday we were treated to several pints of Brodie's IPA from the Sweet William Brewery at Baker's Arms. How much more local do you want your produce? There was also a little live jazz from some seniors, good service at the bar and I enjoyed both sitting outside and in the raised area by the windows. I shall return.
16 Jul 2009 12:26
The Ferryboat Inn, Tottenham Hale
A new assistant manager by the name of Lee started here about 5 weeks ago. Highly personable and experienced in bar management, he made our stay on a Saturday evening far superior to other visits I've made to the pub. The waiting staff also considerably more motivated than usual. Enjoyed a few pints of Adnams and even saw a Kingfisher from the garden at dusk. I think it's worth returning to the Ferry soon to see for yourself. Cheers Lee.
10 Mar 2009 15:25
The Lincoln Lounge, Kings Cross
Outstanding service at the bar, warm and competent staff. Good range of beers and comfy sofas available at the back. It's mystery how this place hasn't been ruined over the last few years.
2 Mar 2009 17:27
A Friday night visit to the William IV which is just off the Lea Bridge Road at Bakers Arms. Met a friend from Leytonstone there, locked our bikes up on the convenient bike stand right outside the side window. Lovely big plate glass windows give a clear view inside and make the outside appearance quite inviting. Pub was busy towards to rear with many tables ordering the Thai food. There was a dedicated waitress serving them all evening. We started on the Brodies Best but found it a little bitter. Moved to the Brodies IPA which was very decent indeed and we stuck to it. Bar staff attentive and pleasant. Fairly eclectic mix of clientele but all either friendly or inoffensive. Quirky locals using the dartboard too.
We'll definately be back at the William IV as soon as our lives will allow.
2 Mar 2009 16:33
The Coach and Horses, Dersingham
We visited last Sunday lunchtime and we were well impressed to say the least. There were loads of us in our group with a fair few small kids and they dealt calmly and expertly with all our seperate orders and managed to get them to turn up at around about the same time to. Bar service was also jovial and prompt and really enjoyed a couple of pints of Woodforde's Wherry. As the afternoon progressed more folk appeared in addition to a bit of inobtrusive live music and the place really started to take shape as the thriving community hub it obviously is. What a local!
17 Feb 2009 18:41
The frequency of name changes in the last decade tells a tale of it's own. I recall the spiral staircase in the front of the offy as a child.
19 Nov 2008 17:14
The Londesborough, Stoke Newington
I haven't been back since they refused to let us put the bikes in the yard after a session at the climbing centre. Brownswood Park Tavern is bike friendly and my choice if in the area.
19 Nov 2008 16:46
It will a Tesco by this time next year. I've seen the literature that was circulated to local residents.
19 Nov 2008 16:28
I've been a couple of times in the last 18 months, most recently for the quiz last week which was well run and well subscribed too.
There were plenty of staff behind the bar and all were jovial and professional whilst serving. I had a few CW Bombardiers which tasted great but I've since had to give up cos it gives me a hangover when I've really not drunk enough to warrant it.
The crowd are a proper eclectic cross section of folk from Upper Walthamstow with a lot of regulars knowing each other and not just the bar flies. I'd rather it was tatty than cheaply tarted up like yet another gastropube. Yes, pube, alright?
Maybe Orford Road E17 will go the way of Broadway Market E8 one day but this is far cry from the Cat & Mutton thank goodness.
9 Oct 2008 17:00
The Pub on the Park, London Fields
9 months after my last disappointing visit to the pub I once called my favourite in London, I returned to meet friends in the Pub on the Park. I tried both the GK IPA and Adnam's Bitter, both were very poor, the former being a little winey and the latter like dish water (bearing in mind I'm a Suffolk lad). Service was OK but they now have a cash only policy which seems quite ridiculous in this day and age.
Dissapointed, again.
2 Oct 2008 09:45
Visited yet again on a quiet Tuesday evening, a little space for my pushbike and a darn tasty omelette with very fresh salad accompanied the guest ale very well. Now what was that ale again...
6 Aug 2008 17:28
The Three Horseshoes, Letchmore Heath
A a couple of very pleasant afternoon ales on a Friday with my new brother-in-law. Lovely trad country pub with good beer and friendly landlady. Houses and trees around the green make it a very pretty location too.
31 Jul 2008 15:17
This is currently my favourite pub within walking distance of Broadway market. Broad range of customer, good and good beer.
Back in the late 90's some I enjoyed drinking in some of the better pubs in E8 if only for their diverse and sometimes quirky customer base. This situation has now changed and former favourites such as the Pub on the Park and the Dove (although the latter is still well run) are frequented by just one minority section of local society, comfortably off and fashionable white people who probably would have chosen to rent near Clapham common had they been born 7 years earlier.
24 Jul 2008 21:01
Sat inside on a busy Wednesday evening with the front of the pub opened up and folk spilling out onto the street. William IV St is pretty busy but it calmed down later and we very much enjoyed a few Harvey's Sussex at �2.90 a pint. The small bar was well covered by three professional staff and the previous guest ale labels plus a charming little upstairs which is rather like something from the Geffrye Museum.
12 Jun 2008 13:44
The Vibe Bar was overpriced with a poor selection of beers 8 years ago. At least they have Peeterman Artois now so I'm not forced to drink 5% stuff. Having said that sitting out in the foyer of the old brewery offices is a unique place in London to have a pint and I only drank here in the old days cos we had an office on the 3rd floor. I returned recently when an old friend joined a company based in the very same building. When they're selling cans of Red Stripe for �3 on Dray Walk next door, the Vibe Bar doesn't seem so bad.
In summary, I prefer the Pride of Spitalfields.
3 Jun 2008 18:40
St Georges Tavern (The Caxton), Wapping
As dingy and run down as it was 6 years ago but there's no getting away from the Highway roaring on the doorstep. Nothing special about the beer, staff or food.
3 Jun 2008 18:35
Ended up riding back down the River Lee to this pub after food at the bike friendly Rye House pub. Pleasant gardens over looking a bend in the river and a boathouse renting electric boats for pleasure seekers. It was a fine evening and we were made to feel most welcome by the waiting staff. Lots of room in the garden and easy to lift our bikes over the low fence without causing any inconvenience to other punters. When we moved inside later on the staff were very tolerant of our slighty lively banter (in was quite a special occasion) and we stayed late eventually wheeling the bike up over the bridge to Broxbourne station and pleasant train trip back to London.
In summary, well run food oriented pub with decent beer and professional, well-turned out staff. Smashing riverside gardens too.
3 Jun 2008 18:14
Chose this pub as destination for a bike ride up from London on the Lee as it was across the road from the station for an easy trip home. We were lucky with fine weather and where made to feel most welcome and allowed to wheel ours bikes thru into the very large riverside garden. All staff very capable and friendly and the range of beers seemed well kept. Food was quite acceptable and extremely reasonably priced. There were a few interesting looking locals in but most had kids with them so we didn't attract any unwanted attention.
In summary, a better pub than first impressions.
3 Jun 2008 18:10
We'll start with the bad points:
�3.30 for a Becks Vier for example. �3.30!!!
Incredibly large number of anti-children signs despite large amount of outside space at this pub.
I say again it's bizarrely expensive.
Good points:
Good range of ales though I can't vouch for quality of all of them.
Lots of outside space including very sunny forecourt.
22 May 2008 07:58
The Coppermill Tavern, Walthamstow
Couldn't agree less with Frank and Eric below. My physical appear is quite the opposite to the locals but although they can be rough around the edges I've found them to be no bother at all. Julian the landlord has just opened a new little beer yard too so now I can meet my missus there after work and bring our little girl along too. The barman in ther last Friday was a real gent too. I've been drinking the GK IPA which is rarely an outstanding ale but I've had no reason for complaint. The Coppermill is getting better all the time I reckon.
13 May 2008 22:56
A proper pub in a sea of bars tucked underneath office blocks. Wouldn't need much alteration to appear in an episode of 'Ashes to Ashes'. Good range of ales on including Red Car Bitter, Youngs Bitter, Courage Best, Harvey's Sussex and Tim Taylor Landlord. I can certainly vouch for the landlord. Friendly service only really let down by the prices hovering around �3 a pint.
12 Apr 2008 07:39
I notice I first reviewed the Magpie in September 2004. Things have not changed, full of suits but swift service, excellent Tim Taylor Landlord and still a good alternative to the Railway, Hamilton and the Bull.
18 Mar 2008 16:09
The Pride of Spitalfields, Shoreditch
A little gem unchanged in the 9 years I've known the area. Went back recently to meet a friend and had a some excellent Brewers Gold. Certainly preferable to the Vibe Bar but that was the case back in 2000. I wonder will the local rent hikes see the demise of the place.
17 Mar 2008 17:11
The Ferryboat Inn, Tottenham Hale
Visited on a wet and windy Tuesday night. Very cosy by the log fire with an excellent pint of GK IPA (which is become rare in my huble opinion). The staff didn't seem entirely contented but the range of beer was good, both lagers and ales. Not sure whether I'd gamble on the food after reviews below but certainly appears set up to be a restaurant. Much nicer in the summer I should imagine.
19 Jan 2008 18:42
I've been in again a recently having been visiting the Dove on and off since '99 when I recall the bar staff were all squatters and the crowd poor Geography students from the then QMW in Mile End. These days it's a whole lot more 'fashion yeah?' with their Sloany mates coming up from SW somewhere to check out the scene. However the Dove still does ACE beer and I've found the Tim Taylor Landlord to be outstandingly well kept. It really is a joy to drink. However the partially lit unisex toilets are appaling and make me quite glad I am not female. The food is acceptable and eating in the restaurant area gives you a chance to avoid the weekend crowds who ram themselves into the front bar. Never understood why people ram themselves into pubs like that. Oh and the bar is well staffed by folk who don't fully hate the job which is nice.
13 Jan 2008 20:57
The Pub on the Park, London Fields
We went to the Pub and the Park recently, it was my favourite pub when I lived locally. I bought a pint of GK IPA, it was bad but I drank it. I bought a pint of Adnams, it was quite undrinkable. I asked to have a pint of Pride in replacement for the Adnams Bitter. The manager was called (bald headed geezer), he suggested that I was wrong about the condition of the beer, that the Adnams was good and had been selling well (please bear in mind that was born with the smell of the GK brewery in BSE and am V familiar with Adnams) He begrudgingly replaced the Adnams with a Pride. I was quite offended but held my tongue. Later that evening a friend ordered fish and ships. It came wrapped in paper, novel. It was more than 50% raw. The same manager came over and apologised saying that it was an experiment that I had gone awry. He offered my friend a half a pint of beer in compensation. My friend looked blankly. The manager offered a pint of beer. My friend agreed. It was a sad day as the Pub on the Park could be SO good. As a footnote I should like to say that I have never believed the food in this pub to be any good so have never eaten here.
11 Jan 2008 16:10
Busy on a Thursday but polite pro service from bar staff and good ales inc. Abbot, Tim Taylor, Flower IPA, Brewers Gold to name a few. Crowd a bit Sloany but Bdy Mkt been like that for a while now.
14 Dec 2007 00:18
Wonderful floor mosaics and glass in the partitions when you enter from Craven Terrace. Interior is spacious with a Victorian feel which very much suited my friend from out of town. We found ourselves some very comfy leather chairs and settled down for a natter. Went for a pint of T.E.A. first which was wonderful, light a crisp. In fact it was so good we went back to it after having a Bombadier which was in no means below par. However the chips served with my friends burger were visibly half cooked and I had to ask for parmesan (fresh grated when it came) with my fresh but average pasta dish. Other beers to try included Doom Bar. I may well return.
17 Nov 2007 14:18
Auld Shillelagh, Stoke Newington
The only nearly proper pub on Church Street, the rest just lack something and I'm not just blaming the trendies like everyone else.
1 Nov 2007 09:35
Pub grub was above average and though interior was very average. I would visit again for food if a trip to Victoria is imperative.
24 Oct 2007 14:38
Great location and good range of ales, very much a tourist spot but an pub I almost always visit when in Greenwich.
15 Oct 2007 15:20
All beer on tap brewed on site! Outstanding proper little local. Hope to stay longer next time.
15 Oct 2007 14:45
The Pub on the Park, London Fields
Folks, WHY WAIT SO LONG AT THE BAR WHEN YOU COULD BUY TINNIES on Mare Street, SIT YARDS AWAY AND STILL USE THE PUB LOOS (if necessary)? Never understood that about the Fields.
5 Sep 2007 12:40
The Coppermill Tavern, Walthamstow
Great local in the public house desert that is the St James Street and Blackhorse Road district of E17. Julian is an accomodating landlord (I even fed my 11 month old daughter her tea in the pub once), the Fullers beer is well kept especially the ESB and it popular with cyclists as it's on route to the River Lea, the marshes and Springfield Park E5 from Walthamstow Central. I am growing to like this place more and more.
29 Aug 2007 12:53
Returned the other week to sample excellent Wye Valley guest bitter and watched the Turns fishing over the marshes. Excellent.
21 Aug 2007 12:27
Met mates here before getting a cab to the Dogs, suited the purpose. The place is doomed though with plans to redevelope the site as a gateway to E17(!)
25 Jun 2007 17:50
I visited on a Friday night at about 8:30pm with a couple of old friends, the place was lively with a eclectic mix of people and ages but no morons. The bar staff, a girl and be-muscled chap were pleasant and attentive. Had a few pints of Pride and found it to be pretty decent and Pride can be truely awful when kept badly. The decor is odd, especially the wads of render on the fireplace covered in gold paint but the lighting is soft enough to soften the quirks on the wall (including a Barbie type doll in glass case). However we got a decent seat and I would certainly visit again.
28 Apr 2007 08:49
HANGING BASKETS! Come Pembury let's have some signs of spring outside the pub.
13 Mar 2007 11:26
We walked over to the Oakdale from West Green Road last Friday night and were glad to have made the trip. Didn't realise the link with the Pembury in Hackney until I saw the Milton pumps at the bar. Pub contained crazy range of fashionable youngsters in drainpipes, working men from eastern Europe, local Londoners and a ROCKing jukebox on which we were given 7 free plays by the landlady. I will certainly be going back at some point cos I love quirky places like this.
NOTE: I saw a bike inside the pub so I reckon you can drag your steed inside too.
8 Jan 2007 13:59
I visited again between 5pm and 8pm on a Thursday night, very quiet but there were a few folks in by the time we left. Try the pork scratchings, appear to be homemade and they're very good. Ales excellent yet again. They just need to make the place look more inviting from the outside, I suggest a few colourful hanging baskets.
20 Oct 2006 11:42
The Dolphin Tavern, Bloomsbury
Only Broadside on when we visited, was too early to start on the heavy stuff so we moved on. Plus there some blokes watching golf and talking about the Iraq war. I didn't care for their opinions.
27 Sep 2006 13:31
Ended up here again, Sunday afternoon this time. Bar girl was very friendly and the Deuchars IPA was passable to. There were some media w*nk*rs at the bar.
27 Sep 2006 13:29
Enjoyed some well kept Adnams Best here this week, also available was Youngs Bitter and GK IPA. The Still benefits from large outside area which is an excellent spot to sit and watch the world (girls) pass by the bus station on a balmy evening. A good spot for CYCLISTS to have a beer as you as there's loads of room to stand around with your steed whilst suppings and ale.
21 Sep 2006 07:59
The Approach Tavern, Bethnal Green
Yeah, there is something irritating about sitting outside this pub but it is pretty decent inside as is the jukebox and beer. There is gallery upstairs, so if you visit on a 'private view' night then be prepared to rub shoulders with the Shoreditch victim set.
11 Jul 2006 00:15
Off you go to the Spurstowe (clone pub) for your nine quid burger and chips then 'hackneylad', AND DON'T COME BACK!
31 May 2006 13:48
I shall echo the comments below as the lady working in the Greyhound on Tuesday afternoon last was very friendly indeed. Having cycled up the Lee from Markfield Park with a friend we stopped for pint in the beer garden at the front, ideal for looking after the bikes. PLUS two pints of McMullen AK (Hertfordshier brewers) was around �4.25 as I remember. We then got the train back from Enfield lock station... less said about that the better.
6 May 2006 14:17
Surely one of the greatest summer cyclists pubs in London. Right on the river (no, not the Thames, the Lee) with tables and chairs on the towpath looking out over Walthamstowe Marshes. Swans performing dramatic landings for your entertainment and it's an easy trip back down the canal and over to Hackney central to visit say the Pub on the Park or the {Princes George). The pub itself is basic and has a an fairly eclectic customer base, the barman was very civil and I hope to visit again one hot afternoon.
30 Apr 2006 05:20
Popped one Friday teatime after a beer on the river at the Anchor and Hope. Friendly landlord and barstaff, at least 3 ales on (Harveys, IPA etc), didn't stay long enough to check jukebox out but this is definately worth a look if you're up that way. Cool wood panelled interior, possibly 1930's.
30 Apr 2006 05:15
Lovely old building on a lovely old street, friendly bar staff and a dramatic Wisteria on the terrace at the front. This pub stands out because it was open at 5.30 when we arrived, having cycled from Dover. The front yard is great place to look after your cycle whilst enjoying a pint. I was so knackered I had to have a lager top so can't comment on the ales this time!
27 Apr 2006 18:14
The Marquis Of Westminster, Victoria
Visited on a Saturday lunchtime, I don't know the area so that's my excuse for choosing this pub plus it's looks OK from the outside. Very unsavoury group of Irish men filled half the bar (most of my family are from Dublin I should add), a pokey and tatty interior and I'm afraid that's all I can say. This is a strange part of London.
27 Apr 2006 15:42
�9 quid burger and chips in a clone pub eh? Sounds brilliant. Please excuse my sarcasm.
20 Apr 2006 09:15
Erm, reminded a bit of the Kings Street Run in Cambridge which is also a pretty tired looking theme pub. However the staff were at worst pleasant and at best very attractive indeed so after a couple cooking lagers (no decent ales here) I was happy as larry (you know Larry).
9 Apr 2006 17:21
Booth's Cafe Bar, Stoke Newington
PLEASE NOTE: The owners of this bar/restaurant have recently been fined and temporarily shut down for SERIOUS breaches of food safety and hygiene rules.
8 Apr 2006 15:14
Auld Shillelagh, Stoke Newington
A better phonetic guide to the pronunciation of the name may be 'shillay-lee'.
7 Apr 2006 00:11
The Londesborough, Stoke Newington
It's bike unfriendly so we never go. Push-chairs are fine though so maybe I'll make sort of bike cum push-chair thing, wheel it in and watch the fashion hair quivver with confusion.
7 Apr 2006 00:07
The White Hart, Stoke Newington
I drink all over Hackney in some truely world-class public houses. This is only place I have been rudely ejected from at 11:20pm on a Tuesday night having been in there for about an hour. Talk about split personality staff. No need to go back when you have the Shakespeare down the road or even the Birdcage.
7 Apr 2006 00:01
Excellent ales, friendly staff and interesting to see a old pub reopen AND become flats. A very welcome addition to the Hackney pub scene.
SUGGESTION: We would like the owners to consider allocating an entrance (there are three I think) and wall to lean bikes against inside the pub as there is plent of room. Due to the obscuring plastic on the windows we are unable to monitor bikes locked outside the pub.
26 Mar 2006 13:33
Nice interior, good ales on (Adnams amongst others), been using the place on and off for years. Have eaten on first floor and had a bit of party on the 2nd floor at some stage to.
18 Feb 2006 02:27
�10 an hour on the tables, no thanks. It like a little bit of Nottingham in Shoreditch.
18 Feb 2006 02:25
The Durham Arms, Bethnal Green
I know that the students from the halls behind used to use this place and get lock-ins to. That was a couple of years ago. Don't suppose it's changed.
18 Feb 2006 02:23
WELL local and so it should stay. I dare say I shan't be visiting for a pint but I regularly peer in when I waiting at the lights on Queensbridge. let's hop it stays that way rather than being 'gentrified' or turned into second rate accomodation.
18 Feb 2006 02:20
The Owl and the Pussycat, Shoreditch
One of the last proper locals tucked away in Shoreditch. Although decor and staff haven't changed in the last few years the crowd has. The 'chickens' and 'Brosnans' as we call them(Shoreditch meejah types) have cottoned onto the place's charms. This isn't such a bad thing as they're well behaved but it can get very busy on the weekend. I was in there at 6:30pm last Friday and had to wait 30mins for a seat to come free. Other wise great pub, yard open in the summer, proper old bar billards table, London pride on tap. bar man is a misery but he doesn't mean it, it's just his way(!). Great alternative to nearby bars on the High st and Old St.
18 Feb 2006 02:17
Cool little booths to sit in and do underhand deals whilst sipping premium lager. Can't drink premium lager though. Well Shoreditch.
18 Feb 2006 02:15
Rather drink here than most places on upper street. Although it is rather clinical, the furniture doesn't all match which is nice. Certainly recommend the Tim Taylor on tap to. Hmm nice alliteration. CYCLISTS: Ecellent places to chain your bike up right outside the windows.
18 Feb 2006 02:09
I made a special trip to the D and B, quite a long ride from Dalston via the IOD and Greenwich tunnel. Well worth it for a fine pint of Arundel Castle, a yard to keep my push bike safe (absolutely no where to lock the bike up outside) and a generally relaxed and pleasant feel to the place. Food looked decent as it passed aswell. Pity I don't live more locally!
17 Feb 2006 01:47
Yes indeed, Brian has gone. I went in with my old man before Xmas only to find our bags of chips weren't welcome as they were doing food. I asked about Brian and fella behind the bar said he owned it and Brian was a tenant. he wouldn't say much more about the situation. Suffice to say he did let us eat our chips and have a beer.
10 Feb 2006 01:10
Just visited on a Saturday night when the place was only half full so we had a nice big table to ourselves. WARNING: Courage Directors on tap is the WORST i have ever had the misfortune to consume. Slight sweetness reminscent of shandy and the consistency of dishwater that has remnants of leek and potatoe soup suspended. Yes it's that bad and �3 a pint!! Needless to say I had a couple of Fosters instead... It's looks like they somestimes have Deuchars on which is one of my fav's but I doubt I'd even try it in this place. Fairly pleasant interior, the area probably had better option in terms of beer.
22 Jan 2006 10:14
I had a beer in here once, it's well proper. Loads of Elvis impersonators came in which made it memorable.
15 Jan 2006 22:14
Average interior but WELL above average Youngs, had a couple of Special's which were very tasy and not at all winey. Then went onto the normal 'best' or whatever it is which was also good. No hangover the next day what soever. Very good beer here. Plus, yes they do that mad chocolate beer in the bottles...
14 Jan 2006 17:11
The Duke of Wellington, Aldgate
Basic but bar manager Dave is a diamond. Certainly a world away from the Ten Bells nightmare.
23 Dec 2005 02:36
Premium continental beers only at top prices. Fairly comfy though due to large chairs. If you wanna bar go to Kick a few doors up and if you want a pub got to the Owl and Pussycat on Redchurch St, both very close.
20 Dec 2005 19:46
I guess this is south Cotswolds really, we passed thru on the way back from the Forest of Dean. Amazing old building, amazingly pretty little village and large outside area at the pub are makes this as nice a tourist pub as you'll find. Sam Smiths bar to so some cheap ales and the food wasn't half bad.
4 Dec 2005 14:41
Yet another standard but decent west end boozer. Benefiting from not being in Soho or Cov Gdn and having a Sam Smiths bar (this is contraversial) It's a dark wood and glass interior as would be expect. Great place to have pint after battling down O*ford Street... ergh
30 Nov 2005 01:04
The Edinburgh Cellars, Newington Green
Just south of recently revamped Newinton Green (new park and footpaths have drawn attention away from the fact that this is big roundabout south of Stokey), the Edinburgh cellars is NOT a gentrified gastro pub. However it's cleintel represent the diverse local populous well and the back room art work is worth a look at the very least. Also fab mosaic floor in the side entrance hall. Worth a look as it's better that the place across the road.
30 Nov 2005 01:00
It's been demolished but I believe they have retained the facard.
28 Nov 2005 22:18
This pub used to have a nice central bar island affair but it was ripped out a few years ago and replaced with some carpet that my dear ol' Nan had in the mid 70's. You can get an OK Youngs in here but generally it's pretty bleak. VERY busy road on the door step. However there is a large terrace and the back which is pretty reasonable on a summers day. You'd only ever go here if you work on Wapping lane or live in Shadwell.
26 Nov 2005 14:45
The Lord John Russell, Russell Square
My second visit to the Russell and this time I've remembered to leave a comment. I don't know the pubs around this area at all but this one is a nice mix of locals, workers from the local institutions and randoms like myself and Tom. Good pint of Bombardier plus hot pasties and sausage rolls for �1.50. Nice idea. You can lock your bike up on the railings opposite and keep and eye on in thru the big picture windows to.
25 Nov 2005 14:26
Hmmm, review below beginning yummy food sums it up for me. It was full of girls in there mid-twenties acting like 17 years olds covering deep subjects like "I'm going out tomorrow AND Thursday night, haw haw!!". This place is quite stylish inside (if you like laminates) but it's lager only bar so if you've grown out of Stella/Grolsch then you'll be rough the next day as you're forced into drinking continental poison for the night. Oh yeah and the frontage is really tacky, see photo on this page. NOTE: Bar staff were really friendly and the girl was very pretty(!)
13 Nov 2005 07:43
Yup, great pub. After just one Friday night visit, it's right up there. Two guys who were playing darts when we got in there dissapeared shortly after, only to return later with the gorgeous Kiera Knightly in tow. Obviously not in tow like some old water tender or similar.
13 Nov 2005 07:39
The Narrow Street Pub & Dining Room, Limehouse
Bit TOO modern inside and this is reflected in the lack of ales and prevailance or harsh continental brews. Had to go for a harmless Carlsberg! Loads of outside seating right on the river by the entrance to Limehouse basin, access by steps down from the road bridge. Very pleasant indeed. Would visit again simply because of the vista.
2 Nov 2005 14:21
Cracking location and a spacious venue marred by the loud public address system calling folk to their tables in the restaurant. I should mention this was a Sunday lunchtime though. The grating annoucements were compounded by NOT particularly pleasant Trafalgar bitter and awful cloudy London Pride. Probably end up here again though cos the location is great.
2 Nov 2005 14:18
The Pakenham Arms, Clerkenwell
Booze is a bit cheaper than normal as demanded by the Communications Workes Union I expect as the place in full of Posties from Mount Pleasant. Nice beard of hasnging baskets on the outside to.
17 Oct 2005 17:17
Good beer, nice food, ridic' London prices. No garden, busy road but one of the better ones in Carshalton.
17 Oct 2005 15:16
The Sekforde Arms, Clerkenwell
Finally visited the Sekforde on a wet Wednesday. Found the atmostsphere to be relaxed, the crowd eclectic and the Youngs Bitter of a very fine quality. I will be using this pub again. Also some convient railings opposite on which to lock ones bicycle.
17 Oct 2005 15:04
We'd been out walking in the forest for the day when we came across the Kings Head. We looked at the clientele, looked at ourselves in shorts and wearing packs and thought better of going in. Pub look great from 100 yards away though...
2 Sep 2005 15:34
After a smashing summer evening stroll down the South Bank you don't want to spoil it with a numbing chain pub experiance or a crap pint with the wannabees at the NFT. The Kings Arms is 'well proper', we loitered around in the evocative Windmill Walk and Roupell street just suppin' some ale and cursing the occasional driver who insisted on using the road (tut!). I had gone off Fullers London Pride in recent years but they serve an excellent pint here. Also available at the time was Adams Bitter, Spitfire and another guest ale I fail to recall. Before I shyed away from the Waterloo area fearing chattering tourists and sticky Wetherspoons but no more. PS Thanks to Elliot for showing us the way.
22 Jul 2005 10:59
Good ales but had to send a jacket pot back twice for not being cooked. Under cooked potato is so 'minging', are you with me? Quite small but better than the Old Dispensary on Leman street which despite the building lacks character.
9 Jun 2005 17:04
hmm, proper pub frontage, staff friendly, not cheap but not pretentious either. Not a lot to choose from in the immediate vicinity (I mean a few hundred yards) but probably worth walking up towards Spitalfields instead (away from Aldgate).
9 Jun 2005 17:02
The Pavilion End, Mansion House
Plenty of outside space but it'll never see the sun due to being hemmed in by 80's office buildings on all side bar the pub. Bar staff seemed highly stressed over 6pm Friday city boy demands. On one hand I sympathise as I had to hide outside with my pint but on the other hand, why work there if you can't stand that sort of establishment? Watling St is nice and pedestrianised and there is a fab view of St Pauls.
25 May 2005 11:48
This is my second reveiw of the Alma. I really like the place but I must feel I must comment as two pints of Kronenberg (yer I know, why am I drinking Krony) cost us �6.40 or there abouts. I'm afraid the Alma is for special occasions only.
10 May 2005 11:37
Proper Arsenal pub but not to scary. Opposite Clissold Park so great for a beer in the summer when the tinnies run out.
10 May 2005 11:27
The Finsbury Park, Finsbury Park
Harmless but grotty. I'm afraid it's got that 'loser' feel. If you need a beer at Manor House walk south to ther Brownswood which has that 'local' feel. Quite different.
10 May 2005 11:22
Interesting building and interior, with several rooms and alcoves having a different feel to each other. I think I'd choose it over the Larrick oppsite if I was just in for a few bevvies.
10 May 2005 11:21
The Stapleton Tavern, Finsbury Park
Great place to meet your monied 30 something mates of a Sunday lunchtime, just before they all pop sprogs called Troughton or Serendipity. Food is OK but it's hardly a quality ale house.
10 May 2005 11:19
BRB at The Gate, Alexandra Park
On a positive note is is certainly worth walking up from Wood Green to have a beer here but that's cos WG is so awful not cos this bar is so great.
It's OK for a few on a Thursday night and the pizzas are OK in a 21st sorta way. However we did go one time on a Saturday night though and there were some very sad drunken youths in there, they didn't appear that pikey so I assume they were students. Reminded a lot of being in the provinces on the UK i.e. townies
10 May 2005 11:15
Interesting location beneath the behemoth that is the Barbican. Access is off London Wall at Alban Gate. Some good views of the water but I haven't been since 99/2000 so dunno what the beer is like.
10 May 2005 11:11
Eminently avoidable on ALL occasions unless you are one of the following:
student
tourist
grungey kid with rich parents who live on Parkway
a drunk
feckless media whore
10 May 2005 11:09
The Hamilton Hall, Liverpool Street
Fantastic old dining room which definately worth having a look at. I use the place cos you can get a cheap pint of ale and sit outside and watch the ladies pass by on there way to Witham or Stortford etc. NOTE: IT IS A JDWetherspoons so overall it's rubbish.
10 May 2005 11:05
Awful like Wetherspoons. large amounts of grubby carpet and unfortunate individuals.
10 May 2005 11:02
The Nelson's Head, Bethnal Green
There are some RIGHT characters who drink in here (or did a couple of years ago). Lee Kelly (of Kelly's pie and mash Bethnal Green Road) chewed our ears off and force fed us Bensons a couple of times until we started to avoid the place! Good cheap Guiness though.
4 May 2005 14:45
Used to rent a flat in London Terrace next door and we found this place quite agreeable for a swift half after work. Some of the regulars look like they've been sitting there for year and they just pull the curtains around them each night. Very local and non-glamourous.
4 May 2005 14:43
Good beer, bit pricey but nice large central bar layout makes for pleasant feel. Recommend although haven't been on the weekend.
4 May 2005 14:39
The King Street Run, Cambridge
First visited in the mid-nineties, returned last month to find it unchanged if a little grubbier. Harmless but not a good choice on a bright day. Good to see some foolish rockers still trapsing round the place stuck in 1993.
4 May 2005 14:17
Yeah, top beers (no lager for the Fosters gents or Stella students though), recommended east walk thru the car park from the station for a beer after your journey.
Nicely seperate from the chavs in town.
4 May 2005 14:14
This large pub is part of the Ember Inns chain. If it was in Watford it would be dire, however the spirit of the north west has given this boozer as much character as you can wring from a flat pack interior of this type. We visited last weekend and had good food (everything from salads to pie and chips), nicely kept Charles Wells Bombardier and the place was pretty lively of a Saturday night. Not so bad!
4 May 2005 09:58
Spel_Unca below mentions no real ale, they do stock beers from the local organic brewery on Pitfield Street. Appropriately pretentious I feel. Beer is good none the less.
4 May 2005 09:51
St Georges Tavern (The Caxton), Wapping
Always found the continental bar staff in here to be pleasant & smiley (apart from one maybe). Ignore the misery's review below, they've probably come in from the provinces (Bexley) and don't know any better. Worst thing about this pub is the busy road outside.
14 Apr 2005 10:52
Here's a review from my Mum and Dad who went for lunch at the Gardeners yesterday:
"re Gardener's Arms -Pub grub average if you need to eat but don't go especially. Would recommend the "cheeseboard for two" at �6 as good value. Their chips are home made too. Dad said the beer was v. good. Atmosphere unaltered from old fashioned un updated pub with few old geezers at the bar laughing loudly. New landlords/ladies very friendly. Only half dozen people ate on that Wed lunchtime. I wouldn't go again but might be different I suppose if you just wanted to drink in untrendy country pub."
14 Apr 2005 09:28
used be cool and interesting in here long before the Shoreditch bar explosion, as per below, it's run down, the staff are pretty affected rather than pretty effective. Upper street is a bit to touristy/chav for my tastes nowadays. Pity
13 Apr 2005 15:09
Couple of people mention being by the canal at the Dove. Not really the case is it, in fact technically you'd have to cross 3 road and walk down a ramp to be next the canal. Probably a good minute and a halfs walk. Last thing we need is more glass knocking around on the tow path. See my review below.
13 Apr 2005 12:19
The redevelopement of this pub has simply displaced a few locals and shoe-horned in a few Vintage slags and lumpy meejah lads wearing �110 jeans. Pub on the Park is still superior despite the souless re-vamp.
13 Apr 2005 11:28
Have been back recently to discovered some light redevelopement, they've extended the bar sympathetically. Atmostsphere hasn't changed, still a great little spot for a couple of ales. Looks like it may survive.
13 Apr 2005 11:07
When I lived in Muswell back in 2001-02 the only good thing about the place was the fact that you might see Todd Carty on the Broadway. O'Neills in a huge converted church has the wow factor as you walk in but there after it's ignorant louts, poor lager and no soul. Avoidable unless you are obssessed with televised team sports.
13 Apr 2005 11:02
This bar is great simply because it is an old music hall dating from 1877. Cool gallery area overlooking the rest of the bar and less mini-skirts and larey townies than other local outlets. No ales (or alco-pops, like we give a sh*t) though. Also there's a proper chippy next door.
13 Apr 2005 10:56
This is one of those huge brand new chain pubs with a car park to match. It's in the middle of a brand housing estate, with brand new cars park outside the houses and shiny Fame Academy viewers settle in their leather sofas within. The Pub doesn't actually have a carvery but it should do. If the weather is good then the patio area is actaully quite plesant and they do have a very good range of ales on. So safe and dull.
13 Apr 2005 10:40
Very pleasant indeed, bit upmarket but that's the Islington (De Beauvoir) periphery for ya. At least you won't get any townies in. TIP: Great Vietnamese kitchen just moments away on Englefield Road.
7 Apr 2005 16:34
Wood Green is far enough out of the centre of London to having that horrific 'townie' feel. Folk come down from Edmonton etc to go out there. If you get a late bus back towards central you'll find it empty but if you get on one heading out of town it'll be rammed with 'yute'.
Horrid horrid horrid.
7 Apr 2005 16:14
Ye Olde One Bull, Bury St Edmunds
Amazing old building given a 'theme' back in 1997, pretty average when I was last there. Popular with townies but not as bad as it was 10 years ago.
7 Apr 2005 16:09
Used to keep the best Abbot in West Suffolk but haven't been for over 5 years. If the landlord is the same then the beer is probably just as good.
7 Apr 2005 16:08
Good ales, food is big business here but as a result the waiting staff are excellent as is the food. Not that cheap but well worth is on a special occasion. We had 13 in there for my 30th. Good Kentish Pride beer to.
30 Mar 2005 14:35
Yes I've been out of town on the booze! This place is fab, recently refurbed, masses of outside drinking space. Even spots to park yer horse! Bood range of beers, modern feel inside but not too modern. Really nice reclaimed tiles on the roof above the veranda. Friendly landlord on a fine easter afternoon it was bliss!
30 Mar 2005 13:26
I've been in tonic in the week, it was quiet plain but pleasant inside, pool table and sofas. Can't comment on weekend scene. Not a bad place for a quick beer on a stretch of road where the only alternative is Yucatan (bit harsh).
10 Feb 2005 09:32
The Downs Hotel, Hackney Downs
I think it's lying empty at the moment, such a great location and pretty building. Could be up there with classy boozers like Pub on the Park and the Royal Inn. Fingers crossed all.
10 Feb 2005 09:29
Celebrating 10 years this year, the Cantaloupe was one of the first major bars to open on the Shoreditch scene as it were. Better before the city boys clocked it however, good food, layout and plenty of staff means it's generally a good experience. Best on Sunday afternoons as per below.
17 Jan 2005 11:29
You 'Nautical Brosnans' (beard and mesh-back) and 'Susan Slippers' (extras from Desp' Seeking Susan) can keep the Ten Bells, we'll be in the Hart toasting your victimisation by the fashion industry.
14 Jan 2005 15:55
This pub is basically rubbish but we all grew up aropund the area so it's a good place to bowl into at 10pm Xmas eve and stay late.
Bar staff are friendly (it's been through a large number of landlords in the last 15 years) and real ales are generally excellent. It's a nice building to. Pity about the horrid new build houses next door with their tiny windows.
31 Dec 2004 10:47
The Queens Head, Bury St Edmunds
Used enjoy long Saturday afternoons in this boozer back in the late 90's. The bar manager and door staff are all linked by radio on the weekend. If this setup is necessary then it's not the sort of place I wish to frequent. Pity bout the provincial behavior.
31 Dec 2004 10:44
Renowned for being rough, probably means it's just rubbish.
31 Dec 2004 10:42
Visited this pub on the 28th Dec 04 on the recommendation of a friend of a friend. Fantastic. Super cosy, great interior, great beer (Adnams, Pedigree, Pride) and nice loos (don't get that over in Hackney). I would be a regular if I lived locally but I don't so...bugger.
31 Dec 2004 10:15
A pub right next to Dalston Kinglands station and oppsite the end of Ridley Road. Very busy, noisy, smelly piece of pavement outside. For me this is charm of Dalston though. As for the pub, unless you're a 70 year old gent of Afro/Carribean origin I should take a wander down Balls Pond to the Wellington instead.
9 Dec 2004 13:30
GREAT FOOD, sausages come from place in Clerkenwell, I keep meaning to ask the chef the address of the butchers. Ales and lagers on tap and a nice little yard out the back which is best on a warm evening rather than in the day.
7 May 2004 09:36
The Sheaf View, Heeley
I visit Sheffield once or twice a year and therefore I visit the Sheaf View once or twice a year. Living in London I marvel at the chalk board price list everytime. Great spot, even better in the summer of course.
7 Nov 2013 20:30